Opinion: Marc Daniels On ‘Real Bermudians’
[Opinion column written by PLP Senator Marc Daniels]
I am a proud Bermudian. Both European and African blood runs through my veins.
Notwithstanding my ‘mixed-racial’ lineage, I will not profess to share the purported expertise that former OBA Senator, Toni Daniels, has recently expressed. To suggest that being ‘mixed-race’ would offer me greater insight into our “racial situation” is wholly disrespectful.
The OBA would present themselves as a party that is not predicated on race, and suggest that the PLP is consumed by it. Miss Daniels’ opinion piece was intended to further advance this myth. The OBA would say that the PLP engage in the politics of race while failing to acknowledge their own part in the narrative.
It is not necessary for me to offer a line-by-line rebuttal to my cousin. It is not necessary for me to explain the reason as to why the PLP was born and how the UBP was created in response. It is not even necessary for me to acknowledge that both the OBA and PLP are comprised of blue-collar workers, as well as white-collar workers. We both have tradesmen and entrepreneurs, civil servants and IB executives within our ranks and support base. We both can express sentiments of critical thought and we both can show massive shortcomings.
But what does appear necessary is to clear up the rhetoric and the script being written about the PLP. Where some parties have sought to advance the elite’s interests only, the PLP has always sought to champion the rights of all people, to promote our interests, irrespective of race, notwithstanding our shameful legacy of having been separated by it.
Real Bermudians are those that want Bermuda and her people to succeed. We want to be able to provide for our families and to feel a sense of pride and belonging within our island home. We want to know that we have a seat at the political, economic and social table. We celebrate the achievements of our public and private school students. We support our athletes who participate in the Carifta Games and the Island Games; Cup Match and the Rugby Classic. We do not seek to limit ourselves into boxes of white or black, male or female, gay or straight, religious or secular, or PLP versus OBA, within which to constitute our identity.
Real Bermudians understand our economy and the role that our foreign partners, including tourists, play in our society. We welcome economic opportunity but we shall defend a society that ensures our people are able to receive more than the water that drips off of our roofs, but that which flows into our tanks.
Real Bermudians can lay claim to family roots that expand for centuries as well as those that may only span a couple of decades. Real Bermudians are not just born here but can be made here, such as many spouses who hail from far, but call Bermuda their home.
Real Bermudians are those who believe in our own talent, potential, and greatness; and who would seek to promote us in all aspects of society, both economically and culturally. Real Bermudians acknowledge our history as it pertains to race instead of sweeping it under the rug when it serves our purpose. We recognize the struggles that have divided us while remaining true to leveling a playing field that resembles nothing of our shameful past.
Those who profess to love this country but seek to maintain the divide that holds us back are ‘pretend’ Bermudians. They are not worthy of our respect regardless if they can trace their ancestry far back in time. They are not ‘white contradictions’ as Miss Daniels posited, but those who would seek to promote one class above another, or one race, or foreign interests above our own and they should hold no honor within our society.
Should real Bermudians be entitled to judge who is and who is not entitled to call Bermuda home, especially when we factor in our size and available land for future generations’ benefit? Of course we should! After all, this is our home. Do other nations not exemplify these beliefs?
Real Bermudians do not need to listen to talk shows to know how the people feel because we are the people. We will vent and express our frustration when our leaders disappoint us, regardless of which party we primarily support.
So in response to my cousin, the only tragedy for us ‘mixed people’ is when we continue to promulgate the myth that we have any more insight than our kin. We should stop trying to seek acceptance from ‘one side of us’ while maligning the other and recognize that it’s time for all of us to be ‘real’.
When we say that the OBA’s polices are not looking out for the real Bermudians, we are saying that their policies seemingly put foreign interests first; while selling the notion that trickle down economics is in our interests while failing to provide avenues to further empower ourselves. So ask yourself, are you real or do you pretend?
- Marc Daniels
WOW! Well said Senator Daniels! A well written response to Ms. Daniels’ article. Very impressive.
Amazing, he just dissed a good proportion of the PLP bloggers.
And PLPers accusing others of being paper Bermudians and form ment to educate lol
LOL
Actions need to reflect words. Fact is, if you are a spouse of a Bermudian (one example of many) you will never be considered as a real Bermudian by a large segment of this island.
Dr. E.F. Gordon was a Trinidadian but his contribution to Bermuda was tremendous as well as other Non-Bermudians. That fact is even if your are not a native of the country where you abide its the contribution you give for the betterment of the country !!!!!!!!!!!!!
So you agree that expats are important and valuable to us?
Well said Senator Mark, this is what I call a well written article with insightful commentary of knowledge. An article that brings us together as one, and focus on all of us as Bermudians moving ahead.
“So in response to my cousin, the only tragedy for us ‘mixed people’ is when we continue to promulgate the myth that we have any more insight than our kin. We should stop trying to seek acceptance from ‘one side of us’ while maligning the other and recognize that it’s time for all of us to be ‘real’.” – Senator Mark Daniels
YES, YES, YES, I could not have put it any better, as I too am of mixed race. I have black and white relatives. I have many black and white friends, and this is how it should be. But I would never suggest that I have any more insight into this matter than any of my relatives or friends or anyone for that matter.
Well written piece, just outstanding !!
Betty??
Some of your best friends are white, are they, Betty?
Even if it is Betty, her comments are positive and encouraging.
Your reply is antagonistic and uncalled for.
I think the original piece is excellent and I cannot believe the number of dislikes.
I feel both political parties have blind supporters just hitting the dislike button.
Wow you guys are obsessed with Betty Trump… gross
gross..so that’s her real name…thanks DarkSideofTheMoon
I’ve been sayin this for year and year but due to my hue some people here just would not listen and call me “everything but a child of God” so this guy says it and the masses except it better late than never I guess.
LOL
Amazing, 30 “likes” in 5 minutes. Looks like someone is astroturfing again, trying to make it look like there is more PLP support than there is on these forums.
ALL Bermudians KNOW that when anyone associated with the PLP ever uses the words “real Bermudians” that they are NOT referring to ALL Bermudians.
Any politician using the words “real Bermudians” is simply a racist by virtue of them using racist code words. Just like the US Tea Party using words like “real Americans”….
Any person using the term “real Bermudian” is a racist simply by their use of a racial code word. All in Bermuda know this and for this simple reason the PLP will always be perceived as a racist, xenophobic party by all those who understand the term “all Bermudians”.
We are all unique – just like everyone else. Using a term like “Real Bermudians” is divisive because it implies that the user of the term thinks that there is at lease 2 classes of Bermudians – those who are “real” and those who are not. Interestingly, this is quite similar to how Hitler initially treated the Jewsish population of Germany and we all know what eventually happened there….
Dear Senator Daniels,
By about the 4th post it will get negative but clearly this article was written by you, from your personal experience, very unfortunate that many of these Op Ed pieces are often written by the Strategists and given to former Senator Toni Daniels, or MP Nandi Davis-Outerbridge to serve up as their original work.
We need more people like you taking up the responsibility of political leadership.
Keep up the good work.
Here we go again, with the “they don’t write their own stuff” nonsense.
Come on. Do better.
Real Bermudians do not need to listen to talk shows to know how the people feel ……I guess those who listen to Sherry J show are not real Bermudians.
I wouldn’t even say this was a an article that represented real Bermudians either….both arguments were “what they felt”
You missed his point. He said that real Bermudians don’t listen to Sherri J to know how we feel. Meaning we don’t JUST listen and concur with everything we hear, but we voice our own opinions, whether or not they go with the crowd.
That was written in response to some members of the OBA saying that we only listen to Sherri j’s show to know the ‘right way to feel’.
Don’t be so negative. This was an excellent response to the opinion of the partner/owner of Down to Earth.
I fully agreed with you up until your decision to refer to Ms Daniels as the owner of Down to Earth. So in other words, don’t accept that Ms Daniels also has a point but rather try to destroy her business. Shameful.
Was the PLP protecting “everyday Bermudians” when it:
- Gave no-bid contracts to rich insiders?
- Created a debt that costs thousands for every worker in interest each year?
- Put thousands of us out of work with bad policies?
- Discriminated against those of us married to non-Bermudians with land licenses?
- Used racist rhetoric when it accused some of us of having a “genetic predisposition” to voting against the PLP?
…and many more.
The rhetoric doesn’t match the reality.
no no! you cant surely be brining up facts!!
Who better to address Ms Daniels than one of her Own? This was an excellent response!
What do you mean “her Own”?
I’m guessing clearasmud means either a fellow mixed-race Bermudian,…
or even, more cleverly, someone who shares a surname.
I mean her OWN family! in case you missed it he said she was his cousin!
He meant someone who is also mixed race and who is a relative….Toni and Marc are first cousins!
So mixed-race is a third race then?
God bless the Human race
REAL Bermudians or any other Nationality DON’T keep using the race card like you just did and have done like all the plp have.
Most people don’t care what the colour of your skin is or where you come from,it’s how you are and act that concerns people.
Until people like you that try to use the useless race card learn that,you will get no where in this world.
What I find funny is that you accuse Marc Daniels of using the race card when he was responding to Toni Daniels article in which the first sentence she uses is “I AM MIXED RACE” and who implies that she has a special insight because of it.
“But anything that’s not as obvious is dismissed and those who attempt to shed light on less obvious forms of racism get accused of race baiting or, my personal favorite, playing the race card. Which essentially means that if it’s not obviously racist to a white person then it’s not racist.”
http://jeremiahgibbs.com/2014/03/18/the-day-that-i-started-to-understand-racism/
Man, I wish this was true!
PLEASE take a larger role in your party, Marc!
Mike
You suggested Marc should take a bigger role in his party, to which I agree. But what is your suggestion for the OBA? I didn’t hear (see) any rebuke from you in reference to Ms Toni Daniel’s misguided Op Ed yesterday. Why is that?
Because I read the whole thing and agree with most of what she is saying, just as I agree with much of what Marc is saying. Why should I rebuke anyone for writing the truth?
Sorry for the late reply
Mike her speech was focused on the symptom rather than source of problem.
Example is like popping acne on one’s face to make it seem flat rather than fixing the source of such a problem.
She tried to play blacks as if they’re the one’s who define who Bermudians are. She could attempt to rewrite history but we ain’t that stupid.
The term “real” Bermudian, belonger, or even “one of us”, mutt, historically doesn’t come from black people. (nice try)
What I find funny is when the (Dreaded for some unknown reason) Dr Brown was trying to start the Big Conversation, many UBP followers claimed it was racist and the like.
Fastforward a few years later the UBP’S love child OBA is now throwing statements on race without having conducted proper research, and not using the proper forum to conduct such discussion.
Mike did the OBA just complain about the PLP for the sake of it? Because imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Maybe it’s time for us to have the “Big Conversation” in a proper forum but then again how many of us are willing to participate?
Mike says he agrees with most of what she says and much of what he says, he is just as confusing as her.
What is confusing about that?
How is this difficult to understand?
She pointed out a very real problem in Bermuda.
He pointed out some very good things.
I can agree with both.
OH! This confuses you because you’re blinded by your own bigotry and blind allegiance to your party and the thought of being able to agree with people on both sides of the political divide is confusing to you.
Here’s a hint…
Most of the rest of us? We’re not like you.
Still no reason for a rebuke.
(Not sure what “nice try” was for… I never claimed that. And I’m not OBA, so I’m not sure why you’re asking me about them.)
I took part in the “Big Conversation” and there was a lot of good done there. However, there was an ulterior motive evident on the part of some people involved. Let’s be honest.
Questions: What “proper research” should they have done? How do you know they didn’t do it? What does that have to do with Ms. Daniels’ Opinion Piece? Did Marc Daniels do the proper research? Is he using the proper forum? If it’s different for him, why? What is the proper forum?
Personally, I think it’s time for a REAL Conversation, one that puts honesty, respect, integrity, civility above rage and bitterness and revenge while understanding that those feelings are there. Dr. Brown’s “Big Conversation” was sadly famous for believing that white’s must be made to feel uncomfortable. I couldn’t disagree more strongly. We can’t have an open and honest conversation if one party is trying to make the other uncomfortable. NEITHER side should be uncomfortable. BOTH sides should be comfortable saying what is on their mind, without fear of repercussions.
Respect, honesty, integrity and civility… remembering that we’re ALL Bermudians… THAT is the way forward.
Talking about “RACE and RACISM” is often an “uncomfortable discussion” and not an easy one for most whites of privilege. In most cases Whites feel uncomfortable. It had nothing to do with Dr. Brown, that was a lazy excuse for certain folks escape from engaging or having the Uncomfortable conversation. I have never met any white person whom told me they were comfortable with talking about Race or racism. But many were willing to go the extra mile, and get down deep into the discussion, as they were open to it.
It is never easy to talk about RACE as it is a serious matter. The subject matter has lots of emotional wings to it, and therefore one must be willing to ride the rough waves out. ARE you willing? Because it will get tough, if your dealing with the REAL FACTS that talking about RACE brings with it.
Because it is a touchy subject to so many people of all races. Its like religion or politics: not everyone is going to agree with your point of view and it can easily be considered offensive. But one must be open to discuss it.
The other thing one must consider is that racism, is so foreign to whites, it’s almost like a myth. They get so tired of reading about it, and hearing about it, because it doesn’t exist in their world, it’s like reading about the weather on mars. It impacts blacks daily, they can never escape from it, so they live it daily. Often tend to believe, that black people are just “blowing things out of proportion”,,or that we should just ignore it, because they cannot relate, they minimize the black experience.
So yes Talking about Race and Racist is not easy, it is uncomfortable and it requires a great deal of understanding, listening, and time.
Lots of good points.
Nothing to do with what I said, but good points.
“…racism, is so foreign to whites, it’s almost like a myth…because it doesn’t exist in their world…”
Nancy,your stated assumptions about white people vis-a-vis racism are so wrong on so many levels I don’t know where to begin. I am white. Aside from Bermuda, I lived for many years in two other countries where, as a white person, I was very much in the minority and subjected to both overt and covert racism on a daily basis. It is not a pleasant experience but I have learned that whenever a person is in a minority, no matter where they are, members of the majority race will view them as threatening in some way. Racism is fear-driven…it’s as simple as that. No race is better or worse than another; a person’s character is not determined by race and to assume so is the highest form of arrogance.
At first blush, your post seems to suggest that you are willing to discuss race and racism in a reasonable manner. If that is true, then you need to put aside your own prejudices and false assumptions. Only then can a real dialogue be opened. With racism, everybody loses, both the perpetrator and the victim…with, in my view, the perpetrator losing most.
Well said….this shows how people think…They say Marc has to take a more active part but many OBA MPs just sit on the side lines and get a free pass. Marc has been outspoken on many issues facing this country but unfortunately some people just see what they want to see.
Huh? So, because I think Marc is a good guy and think he’d be good in a more active role in his party, I’m giving OBA folks “a free pass”?
I don’t get it.
Assuming he means any of it. As another person pointed out, when in the town hall meeting someone told Fahy he was a ‘paper Bermudian’, Marc Daniels, sitting next to her, did nothing other than smirk.
brmp brrmp brrmp we have a winner saw that to actions speak more than spoken word here. Let see what happens and the type of talk spoken by them at election time.
LOL
then why continue to promote an us and them idea? If REAL Bermudians truly cared, we wouldn’t allow ourselves to be split… we wouldn’t allow ourselves to be divided.
It’s all well and good saying that there are REAL Bermudians in both the PLP and the OBA, but why can we not be Bermudians without a silly political affiliation? Why must there be an OBA and a PLP?
It’s ok to say we don’t want to be divided into black and white, it’s ok to say that we are all the same… but at the end of the day, we have to be either OBA or PLP.
REAL Bermudians should get over the divisive nature that is created by party politics and recognize that a house divided will ALWAYS fall.
We don’t have to be either PLP or OBA.
We can choose not to be supporters of either and, when elections come around, vote for the Party we think will do the best job.
Or, we can work to create and support a whole new way of doing things, such as promoting more independents to run.
We don’t HAVE to support a party and, I think, in reality, most of us don’t, really. We just do it cuz we see no other alternative.
@ Mike Hind, I think that is exactly what Bermudians need to do. In other words constantly seek what is best for Bermuda as a whole first and foremost then when it comes time to vote, choose the party, or independent, who best can deliver on those goals, without any of the rhetoric. As Mr Daniels says we are all real Bermudians if all we want is to see Bermuda succeed. Not so and so from the OBA succeed or so and so from the PLP succeed, but every Bermudian.
So if people truly want that to happen then the words real Bermudian would never need to be mentioned for we would be secure and proud with just being Bermudian. All for one and one for all.
Amen.
Two points of view from to spoiled mixed race brats!!! neither got it right!!!
it’s TWO,not to.
Not that I would normally go out of my way to defend him, but that sounds like a racist attack.
now that’s funnie
Why spoiled brats? Don’t tell me that your another cousin?
Every time there is unusual criticism of the subjects of heated debates, the response from that critic usually comes back that s/he is related.
Could it be that the Bermuda family tree needs more diversification?
Just a thought…
London, England
So what did it mean then, when the PLP repeatedly called some people ‘real Bermudians’? Who were the ‘real’ ones, and who weren’t?
Of course, he changes it now. Now it means ‘all Bermudians’. That’s because the PLP has been called out.
Exactly. The PLP need to admit and confront the racism within their party, not pretend that it doesn’t exist.
Great piece of writing,too bad his party messed up Bermuda,especially for the poor.
too bad most of the poor and working class are still not clear on that fact.
How could the PLP mess things up for the poor? If they were poor before the PLP, it was already messed up.
Nice article Marc. You are definitely one of the few bright spots in our political landscape these days. However, it seems many have missed the point of yesterday’s article all together.
While I agree with your points made above they should be directed to your supporters who constantly clamour the air waves and blogosphere who claim that ‘so and so’ shouldn’t be listened to because they aren’t real Bermudians because they don’t support the same organizations or indulge themselves in the same extracurricular activities. Listen any day to the Sherri J show especially and you hear the same ignorant callers spewing the same nonsensical BS and I have yet to hear even a peep of condemnation from the PLP against such hate filled categorizations by some of their supporters. Some claim these people to be the minority, but they are the most vociferous and as such many take their mentality as being representative of your whole Party.
You should also send the same opinion letter to your Party as a whole, because many need assistance in identifying who is a ‘real Bermudian’ and that not all ‘real Bermudians’ are a simple homogenous group with a monolithic mentality.
For instance in the run up to the last election there was a You Tube ad issued by the PLP in which there were two black Bermudians sitting on a couch watching some clip of our now Premier with the rest of the OBA. Nothing was said except, “oh look at WHO he is hanging out with now.” What does that mean and why was it deemed to be an acceptable ad by the PLP in the first place? Was the PLP trying to insinuate that somehow he is a sell out because he wasn’t a PLP member/supporter and they are now disgusted by who his ‘friends are?’ What value do such advertisements bring to Bermuda’s political and social arena?
And as someone noted yesterday if you truly meant what you wrote above why did you sit in silence right next to the PLP lady (during the commercial immigration town hall) who stood up and called Minister Fahy nothing but a ‘paper Bermudian?’ Not you or any of the PLP representatives present corrected the woman’s ignorance and a few of you smirked (yes, I was there) when she stated her more than ignorant comment. The deafening silence and subsequent reactions highlights was Ms. Daniels was trying to portray in her column. I know you probably won’t answer the above queries or even acknowledge that it happened and happens in the first place.
So while your words are nice and fluffy it is actions that matter much more
To Sad,
There is an appropriate time and place to do things. That was not the time nor the place to address that type of behavior.
According to the PLP all and any racism should be exposed and delt with.. they had anopertunity and they did nothing.
LOL
When would be an appropriate time or place? It was cheap shot looking to cause insult. It would have been a great opportunity for Mr Daniels to prove his point that a real Bermudian is simply someone who wants to see Bermuda succeed. I am sure in that context Minister Fahy is therefore a real Bermudian. The failure for Mr Daniels or anyone else associated with the PLP to step up and request people stop making such comments only further proves Ms Daniels point.
You think that there are times and places when blatant aggressive racism shouldn’t be dealt with?
List a few examples. I’m interested.
Send this as an opinion piece. Very well said and supported!!!
You are absolutely correct, actions indeed speak louder than words. Here is my belief. Blacks will always speak of racism because in the world we live in we can take no action to stop racism. Whites hardly ever speak about racism, and they can take action to stop it. E.g. For years blacks have been screaming about the difference in pay between equally qualified blacks and whites. There have been studies to prove this, yet in most cases the most action that whites (majority business owners in bermuda) have taken is to agree that there is a difference.
I have never heard any of them speak out against this most racist practice, which basically tells black people that we are below whites and we are not worthy of equal pay.
I have to admit after Reading both Toni Daniels Letters to the Editor and Marc Daniels letters that Bermuda is in …Safe hands…with these Critical thinkers and many others like them.At age 71and having been brought up in a very racially segregated society….having been through all the segregated…school system…..hotel system…sports system…institutionalized by the Government at that time from 1943 until I was 16 years and and the theater boycott broke the back of Institutionalized segregation in 1959 and Black Bermudians formed the first Political Party in Bermuda in 1963 and brought in Party Politics.!Trust me I became a …hardened freedom fighter for life and a staunch P.L.P.Supporter and remain so to this day..!I have seen a lot of P.L.P. supporters come and go,.I have chosen to be a P.L.P supporter for life…However I will unequivocally..that Bermuda is in safe hands with people like Marc Daniels and Toni Daniels who were not even permitted to speak openly about race in the period leading up to the old Bermuda before 1959…!Glad to be alive to even see it.!
Now I understand why the PLP lost the last elections – because they simply thought that Real Bermudians would vote for them FOREVER – NO MATTER what they did, (or didn’t do) said or wrote. Marc Daniels is clearly a wolf in sheeps clothing because he SAID NOTHING when the PLP ran all their election campaigns and rhetoric of racial division. He should be apologizing to Bermuda for not spaeking up.
This debate as who to is a real Bermudian will end when we pulled down the British flag and a raise a Bermudian flag of an independent Bermuda Nation. Than perhaps we can declare that we are the second rainbow nation behind South Africa; this time in the middle of the Atlantic ocean.
oh I can see it now…a PINK flag!…LMAO.
Alvin, I’ll be the first one on a plane should your dream come true. I have no confidence in our politicians past, present, future, to run this country. Love ‘em or dispise ‘em….the British are the only reason the UBP we’re civil toward us, the British are the only reason the PLP disaster was reigned in, the British are the only reason Craig Cannonier can continue to smile and practice his gombey moves rather than go insane tryna run this island full of lunatics, money grabbers, and the like.
Once a Black Beret; always a Black Beret.
Your ‘pot of gold’ at the end of the rainbow Alvin went out the window with the missing $800 million.
More and more drivel from Alvin…
Ridiculous.
Racists like you will always try to make others feel lees than you, even if we were to go independent.
I think you’re right about that.
..and who you calling racist….racist
The difference is: I can point out why I referred to the individual in question as a racist.
You can’t. Nor will you try, as you’re just another coward attacking from behind a fake name who will either change the subject, make another attack or just run away with your tail between your legs. Mark my words.
No Alvin, the debate won’t go away. Exactly why would it? Because you think it would? Because ridding Bermuda of the evil English will soften hearts and clear minds?
As Ms. Daniels correclty pointed out there is a large segment of our population who will never accept as Bermudian anyone outside of their paradigm of the matter. We are more than a generation away from any change to that.
The debate would be heightened, and I suspect, along with many other things, the outcome would be poor.
I love the article written but unfortunately it does not represent the PLP, if only it did. If only individuals such as the author would denounce the ‘only those who look like us’ views of the old PLP and move the party forward. Here in lies the problem, the author writes this in response to the OBA poster and thus only puts this view forth to defend the PLP, if he had ever, in any media form, presented this point of view prior to yesterday it would have so much more credence.
Irony is that the PLP seem to be where the UBP – OBA were a year prior to the election, you have the old PLP dinosaurs that did ruin the economy of this island, that did play the race card to win elections, that did refer to bermudians as house ni…., etc. and now you have some young, still core PLP labour, members stuck in the shadow of their seniors in the party. Daniels, Roban, Bean etc.. I do not agree with them on some issues but they are trapped with a legacy, just as the OBA was (UBP etc.) I believe they will need to cleanse the PLP of the baggage, whether it is a new party or a very significant change before they can possibly be considered as legitimate contenders for government. I doubt they will admit it but I would bet significant money that behind doors and in private conversation, this reality is spoken about constantly.
Without this separation its just the same old PLP, because actions speak louder than words.
He mentioned spouses of Bermudians yet his party intentionally disenfranchised bermudians who married outside the country in land ownership….
He mentioned same sex discrimination yet his party refused to amend the human rights act to defend this group
He mentones all bermudians but his party has a stated caveat of ‘those who look like us’
Problem for Mr. Daniels is that his party is not the PLP, they seems to have very little in common, perhaps once he and his astute colleagues realize this, they will strike out on their own and I would imagine, receive considerable support in doing so.
Mr. Daniels wrote a great piece.
This response is even better.
I agree with you Blue Familiar. Two great letters. I would be interested to read Mr Daniels view of what industries should drive the Bermudan economy and build and develop it? I can see his point that the OBA appears to spend alot of time looking after foreign interests but unfortunately the 2 industries we have at the moment are both highly reliant on putting out a friendly welcoming face to foreigners. If a political party isn’t trusted to provide this friendly face then I’m afraid we cannot rely on these two industries. So what industries can Bermuda develop to raise income for our population.
You refer to the “old” PLP and yet we have heard a lot of “old” rhetoric out of some very young PLP senators, MPs, and candidates.
“Problem for Mr. Daniels is that his party is not the PLP, they seems to have very little in common, perhaps once he and his astute colleagues realize this, they will strike out on their own and I would imagine, receive considerable support in doing so.”
Hence my blog title….Until they start acting more like the real PLP I can’t support them.
If I have ever read, a shut your mouth article this is it…
Not at all – Starting Point has the right angle on it.
All this fluffy stuff by Mr.Daniels.Sounds good,written well,but it don’t fool me,as my granny would say.Mr.Daniels still supports a party that crashed Bermuda as he said nothing.Perhaps if he joined the OBA he would see the real Bermudians in the PLP.
A whole lot of talk but no action. Typical ‘real Bermudians’…
the word “real” was a typo!
Very, very well thought through and written. A clearly rational, intelligent argument on race and it’s meaning within the context of the Bermudian society.
When I first came on this blog one could not find a response to an article on race and/or comments about the commentators without emotional insults, smears and totally off the wall commentary.
The debate is getting more and more constructively productive, helping to better define issues rather than create and sustain overt hostilities.
I commend Toni Daniels for venturing into the debate to bring race back on the national agenda. I equally commend Marc Daniels for adding substance, quality and reason. Now rather than having an emotionally fuelled verbal slug-fest, everyone in Bermuda can participate in the discussions of race without feeling abandoned and/or rejected.
I cannot speak for Dr Eva Hodgson, but I am sure that she must feel quite proud and encouraged to witness the corner turning as the next generation takes the baton with integrity. Dr Hodgson pulled entire island-nation forward on race, even when we were very hostile towards her. Now she embodies the power of an excellent educator!
Bermuda is beginning to settle down emotionally from the last two successive general elections, by the next election I sincerely hope that race moves to become a permanent stabilising force within Bermuda as we deserve no less.
London, England
With respect to your last paragraph, I’d like to see that too.
I suggest anybody professing to be a Real Bermudian is not one.
“We do not seek to limit ourselves into boxes of white or black, male or female, gay or straight, religious or secular, or PLP versus OBA, within which to constitute our identity.”
HAHAHA well you just killed your argument right der!! next….
I only deal in Real Talk and there is one thing that all human beings need to know and realize.Even human beings evolve/ Bermuda is no different.He was shipwrecked on this Island.He and the rest of the crew were scared Stiff because of the clamor of the cahow birds and the swine on the Island.He was a Slavemaster so he did what any slavemaster would do.He sent his slave a man by the name of Venturilla on to the Island to check it out..!He did this because slaves were disposobal and he feared for his own hide.This is what white people thought of Black Bermudians…until black Nermudians rose up as a group and protested in …..1959…Theatre Boycott.Black Bermudians formed the first Political Party …1963…more Respect.Now it is very interesting that white people want us to forget what brought us to this point of Power and Respect.Interesting….ummmm makes us wonder at their sincerity…Guess what Folks….P.L.P. Forever…win Lose ….or Draw…those that want to leave or form other parties or Alliances…..help yourself join the Party.I am going to dance with the one….what brung me.as our parents used to advise when we were growing up…!
your way of thinking is cool and your prerogative…just as long as you’re not one of the b!t@hers and moaners,everyday all day…
I am mixed race, white, black, red and gosh who knows what else. I can tell you that my skin color is pale and I voted for PLP, for CHANGE. They were my firends at the polling station but treated me like the enemy shortly after. I would wave and smile but never a happy face nor a wave back. I started to get the feeling that being Bermudian meant being black and I had never ever felt that way before. I was surrounded by dark skinned relatives, in fact I was the lightest and I never felt out of place until PLP were in Government. That is when I realized I was different. Sorry to bust your bubble:(
No one should be proud to be
No one should be proud to be
One should be proud only of things that they’ve earned or achieved.
No one should be proud to be [insert nationality]
No one should be proud to be [insert race]
One should be proud only of things that they’ve earned or achieved.
(this is somewhat of a repeat as the webform didn’t like the greater than and less than symbols that I had originally used)
If only the other party had candidates , senators or MP’s as talented as you Mr.Daniels . For you are well spoken , well versed and right headed .
I think I’m gonna puke.
Keep your head high Senator Marc Daniels. I hope you stick with it and take over leadership of the PLP. Or start your own party. I’ll vote for you.
I have known Marc for a number of years now and he is an intelligent, honest, humble man who is genuinely a nice guy. Regardless of which party he is in, I believe he has a lot to offer Bermuda and I truly wish him well.
“To suggest that being ‘mixed-race’ would offer me greater insight into our “racial situation” is wholly disrespectful.”…explain to me how this is disrespectful…if you take a 100% white European family, then take a 100% African family…who has the better insight to both Races..? and have had interactions growing up with the white side and the black side… SOMEONE WHO IS MIXED BY BOTH FAMILIES! elementary my dear Watson elementary… Toni is not the Racist, Mark is not the Racist…all of YOU that has blown this molehill into a mountain are the RACIST!!
sorry… Marc not Mark
Excellent article!
I would say agree or not with her it is 1 to Toni as she sure got everyone talking on blogs, TV and all the radio shows. She must have touched a nerve. Marc’s response was well said and a nice change from all the rhetoric we have been getting from some others in his party of late.
Real Bermudians do real things for our society fake Bermudians(blacks included) do nothing but offer lip service.
Please be part of the solution we have enough lip service to last a life time.
Translated hood style……if yoon gone do nuffin .shut the h.ll up
@Always Watching…
Why spoiled brats? Don’t tell me that your another cousin?
Every time there is unusual criticism of the subjects of heated debates, the response from that critic usually comes back that s/he is related.
Could it be that the Bermuda family tree needs more diversification?
Just a thought…
London, England
“the PLP has always sought to champion the rights of all people, to promote our interests, irrespective of race, notwithstanding our shameful legacy of having been separated by it.”
So why did it take the OBA to come into power to see gays included in the Human Rights Act?
That is a shameful legacy.
“When we say that the OBA’s polices are not looking out for the real Bermudians, we are saying that their policies seemingly put foreign interests first; while selling the notion that trickle down economics is in our interests while failing to provide avenues to further empower ourselves. So ask yourself, are you real or do you pretend?”
Don’t think the OBA created the concept of trickle down economics.
The PLP through their 14 years of leadership did more damage through debt creation and bloating government that is now affecting the ability to “empower ourselves” as blaming the OBA is just misguided.
Well, the PLP has yet to retract a certain statement, by its leader, what do you expect?
Sadly, even Mr Daniels has a very short term memory in what was said by his own party.
rainbowbermuda.org/2013/01/rainbow-alliance-of-bermuda-statement-to-the-plp-and-the-press/
With all due respect, Senator Daniels, this is a well written response but what are you doing about the xenophobia and homophobia within your party in particular at the leadership level?
Have you challenged that yet? And if so, please say so…publicly. Please show us publicly you can do that and not just telling us in private conversations.